Introduction
Let’s be honest: daily food expenses can quietly devour your travel budget faster than anything else. Skip one overpriced beachfront meal and you’ve saved enough for an extra night’s accommodation or a snorkeling trip. After running our hostel on Koh Samet’s main walking street for years, we’ve done plenty of taste-testing to figure out where you can actually eat well without watching your baht disappear.
You’re staying right in the heart of the action, with options literally steps from your dorm room. But not all budget spots are created equal, and it’s surprisingly easy to pay tourist prices for mediocre food when better, cheaper alternatives are around the corner. This guide is about eating the way we do and the way smart travelers who’ve learned the island do. These are the places we actually recommend when guests ask where to eat tonight.
Understanding the Local Food Landscape
On Koh Samet, you can expect to pay around 70 baht for a cheaper meal at local spots. For a good meal with a drink, budget around 100 baht. Some of the options we recommend below push slightly higher than this, but not by much, and they’re worth it for the quality or portion size you get. The key difference you’ll notice is between places that cater primarily to Thai visitors and locals versus those aimed squarely at tourists—sometimes you’re paying double for the same dish just because of the location or the menu being in English.
Everything on this list is within easy walking distance from the hostel, most within just a few minutes. That means no need for a taxi or motorbike just to grab dinner, which keeps your costs down even further.
Our Top Budget-Friendly Spots
Ple Restaurant
Why it’s good: Just a short walk from the hostel, Ple is an aharn tham sang (food made to order) restaurant, which means you’ve got a huge menu to choose from. It’s cheap, it’s delicious, and it’s where you’ll often spot Thai visitors eating—always a good sign.
What to order: Pad grapow with fried egg – ผัดกะเพราไข่ดาว (80 baht) – Minced pork or chicken stir-fried with holy basil, served with rice and topped with a crispy fried egg. Most people think pad thai is the quintessential Thai dish, but ask anyone who actually lives here and they’ll tell you it’s grapow. We’ve eaten this dish thousands of times, and Ple does it justice.
Insider tip: It gets quite busy at lunchtime, so head there just before noon if you want to snag a seat.
Unnamed Isaan restaurant
Why it’s good: This small roadside spot sits almost directly opposite Ple Restaurant, and it’s where you go for authentic Isaan food. Isaan is a region in Thailand’s northeast with its own distinctive cuisine—one of our favorite Thai food styles. Known for being spicy and delicious, this place offers the most authentic Isaan experience you’ll find on the island.
What to order: Laap moo – ลาบหมู (pork) or laap gai ลาบไก่ (chicken) (around 60-80 baht) – A vibrant, spicy, and tangy minced meat salad that’s a staple of Isaan cuisine. It balances sour, salty, and spicy flavors with aromatic herbs, and it’s absolutely packed with flavor. Fair warning: they don’t hold back on the heat here.
Insider tip: They close around 8pm, so this is more of a lunch or early dinner spot.
Sea Queen
Why it’s good: Not your typical budget choice—this is a beautiful outdoor hotel restaurant with a pool and sea views. They have their own fishing boat so the seafood is often incredibly fresh. While some menu items are pricey, they have hidden gems that are great value, especially considering the location and atmosphere. Sometimes you want to treat yourself without actually breaking the bank.
What to order: Ancient fried rice – khao pad boran (80 baht) – This traditional Thai fried rice is a staple of central Thai cuisine. Made with fragrant jasmine rice and specific seasonings that set it apart from standard fried rice, it’s simple but perfectly executed. At 80 baht with that view, it’s honestly a steal.
Insider tip: Grab a seat near the front for the best sea views, and don’t be intimidated by the upscale setting—you’re welcome to come just for the fried rice.
เตี๋ยวเจ้แหม่ม (Tiew Jae Maem) – Noodle Shop
hy it’s good: This is where the locals actually eat, which tells you everything you need to know. Delicious noodle soup at prices that make it an easy choice when you’re watching your budget but still want something hot and satisfying. You can order a variety of soup styles with either beef or pork.
What to order: Pork noodle soup with tom yum flavoring (100 baht) – The broth is tangy, spicy, and aromatic, with tender pork and fresh noodles. It’s comfort food done right.
Insider tip: This place is open at night, making it a perfect spot for a budget-friendly dinner when many other cheap options have already closed.
Tip Samed Restaurant
Why it’s good: When you want options, this is your spot. The menu is massive with plenty of choice across Thai dishes, and they have a genuinely good vegetarian selection—something that can be surprisingly hard to find on the island. It’s reliable, consistent, and there’s something for everyone in your group.
What to order: With a menu this huge, we can’t pick just one dish. Browse and see what catches your eye—whether you’re craving curry, stir-fry, noodles, or veggie options, they’ve got you covered. Budget around 100 baht per dish.
Insider tip: If you’re vegetarian or traveling with someone who is, this is one of your best bets on the island for variety beyond just pad thai and fried rice. We made a guide about the best vegetarian places that you can find here.
Banana Bar
Why it’s good: A small, family-run spot that’s famous on the island for good reason. The quaint atmosphere makes it feel like you’re eating at someone’s home, and they specialize in curries with your choice of meat, seafood, or vegetarian options. It’s cozy, authentic, and consistently delicious.
What to order: Pork massaman curry (130-150 baht) – Rich, slightly sweet, and fragrant with peanuts and tender pork. It’s comfort in a bowl. Honestly though, all their curries are excellent, so you can’t really go wrong.
Insider tip: This place gets busy, so head there early if you want a table. They open around 4pm, making it perfect for an early dinner. Note that this is slightly above our usual budget range, but the quality and portions make it worth the extra baht.
Koh Samet Food Court
Why it’s good: This open-air food court gives you the widest selection you’ll find in one place—multiple stalls offering different Thai dishes, snacks, and drinks. There’s even a cocktail bar if you want to add a drink to your meal. It’s casual, lively, and perfect when your group can’t agree on what to eat.
What to order: With this much choice, there’s no single recommendation. Wander around, see what looks good, and don’t be afraid to try something unfamiliar. Budget varies by stall, but most dishes fall in the 60-100 baht range.
Insider tip: Go with friends you’ve made at the hostel and order lots of different dishes to share amongst everyone. It’s a great way to try multiple things without committing to a full portion, and it’s more fun to eat this way.
Stalls Near the Temple
Why it’s good: This is as local as it gets—about 4-5 food stalls selling a variety of dishes at seriously cheap prices. This is where May, my wife and co-owner of the hostel, personally likes to eat, and it’s popular with locals for the generous portion sizes and rock-bottom prices. If you want to eat like an islander, this is the spot.
What to order: It varies depending on which stalls are operating, but you’ll find classic Thai dishes like fried rice, stir-fries, and noodles. Just point at what looks good—you can’t go wrong. Expect to pay 50-70 baht for a filling meal.
Insider tip: Don’t expect English menus or tourist-friendly service here. Come with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and maybe a translation app if your Thai is limited. The authenticity and price make it worth any communication challenges.
Wrap Up
Eating well on Koh Samet doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or going hungry to save a few baht. From May’s favorite temple stalls to Sea Queen’s seaside fried rice, these spots prove you can have authentic, delicious meals without derailing your budget. The key is knowing where to look—and now you do.
Prices and opening hours can shift with the seasons, and new places pop up on the high street regularly, so don’t hesitate to ask us at reception for the latest recommendations when you arrive. We’re always trying new spots and we’re happy to point you in the right direction based on what you’re craving that day.
Now get out there and eat. Your taste buds and your wallet will both thank you.